Solicitation_Water and Sanitation.docx

SOL-687-HR-18-001

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SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (US PSC) and Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (TCN PSC) Position: Water and Sanitation Advisor, GS-13

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified individuals to provide personal services in Madagascar under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with the Attachment of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the Attachment.

Sincerely, Debbie Jackson Contracting Officer

72068723R00004 Water and Sanitation Advisor (GS-13) Page 2/13

U.S. Agency for International Development

C/O AMERICAN EMBASSY

B.P. 5253 – Antananarivo 101

MADAGASCAR

Tel: 261 20 23 480 00 Fax: 261 20 23 480 35 www.usaid.gov

ATTACHMENT

Solicitation for US/TCN Personal Services Contract Water and Sanitation Advisor, GS-13

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER 72068723R00004

2. ISSUANCE DATE 06/15/2023

3. CLOSING DATE 07/16/2023

5. POSITION TITLE Water and Sanitation Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE:

From $84,546 to $109,908 per annum equivalent to GS-13. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. Selected USPSC is not entitled Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

USAID/Madagascar - U.S. Embassy, Lot 207 A, Point Liberty, Andranoro Antehiroka - Antananarivo 105 Madagascar, with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

Selected PSC may be authorized to telework only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The base period will be two years, estimated start date in November 2023. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer (CO) may exercise additional three option periods of one year increment, for the dates estimated as follows:

Multiple option periods can be exercised at the same time per CO discretion.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS:

Eligible offerors are U.S. nationals and third country nationals, defined as below:

U.S. national (USN) means an individual who is a U.S. citizen or a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

Third country national (TCN) means an individual who is neither a Malagasy citizen nor a USN but is a citizen or lawful permanent resident (or equivalent immigration status) of any country other than the countries which are prohibited sources.

USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation. USAID is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and provides equal opportunity, fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, transgender status, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, and/or other non-merit factors.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED:

Facility & Computer Access

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A- BACKGROUND

This position is located in the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Office of Health, Population and Nutrition (HPN) in Antananarivo, Madagascar. USAID/Madagascar’s HPN Office oversees an annual budget of $72 million and implements programs in family planning/reproductive health; maternal and child health; nutrition, infectious diseases; malaria prevention and control; and water, sanitation, and hygiene. Madagascar is a priority country for Preventing Child and Maternal Deaths and a President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) focus country. The approved staffing pattern includes three USAID Foreign Service Officers, one direct hire US CDC staff person, four offshore Personal Service Contract (PSC) positions, and 13 local staff.

In 2005, the Water for the Poor Act was signed into law, making water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) a U.S. foreign policy priority. The Water for the World Act of 2014 builds on the Water for the Poor Act of 2005 and sets principles for WASH projects to achieve maximum impact by focusing on priority countries and emphasizes that resources go to those that are in most need of WASH programming. The U.S. Global Water Strategy supports a water secure world where people have sustainable supplies of water of sufficient quantity and quality to meet human, economic, and ecosystem needs while managing risks from floods and droughts. Madagascar is a WASH priority country under the Water for the World Act and Global Water Strategy and manages a significant amount of annual resources directed at contributions to the Malagasy WASH sector.

B- GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The USAID/Madagascar Water and Sanitation Advisor will co-lead, along with the USAID WASH Specialist, on USAID’s investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene and the Mission’s broader water-related activities across technical offices and sectors. The successful candidate will perform a variety of complex analytical/ technical collaboration, representational and program management duties as described below and will work closely with a multidisciplinary staff to address key development challenges. The Advisor will have a strong focus on systems strengthening and resilience building. The Advisor will work closely with a multi-disciplinary team to address key development challenges in water and implementation of the U.S. Global Water Strategy in Madagascar. Incumbent will advance USAID’s strategy to improve resilience in areas of recurrent humanitarian crisis, malnutrition, and limited access to water and sanitation. The Advisor will be based in Antananarivo and is expected to spend approximately 25% of the working time traveling throughout the country to monitor program activities.

C- SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical and Analytical Responsibilities (50%) The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical knowledge of and experience in water security, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and water resources management and climate change in developing country contexts. H/she will strengthen water and sanitation sector capacity in governance, management of water resources, financing, budgeting, planning and implementation. H/She will represent and manage the Mission’s WASH portfolio. The Water and Sanitation Advisor will also be responsible for managing health and other sector investments to increase sustainable access to safe drinking water and sustainable access to sanitation and the practice of key hygiene behaviors. S/he will identify and manage analyses and targeted research to the Mission on key technical issues and emerging approaches to addressing WASH and resources management related challenges and implementation of the Water for the 2014 World Act. The successful candidate will conduct reviews of USAID programming documents, such as: Country Development Strategies (CDCSs); Operating Plans and Scopes of Work for WASH and water resources management activities and be expected to stay current of sector best practices.

Program Management (25%) The successful candidate will be responsible for design, implementation, and management of USAID health programs and other activities within the water sector. Incumbent will be expected to manage mechanisms that may include grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts. This will include technical oversight and review of program budgets, obligations, and contract modification as appropriate.

Coordination and Collaboration and Representation (25%) The successful candidate will be responsible for coordination and collaboration with a number USAID/Madagascar offices to provide timely and high-quality WASH programming and improve water security in the country. In addition to WASH-related development programming, incumbent will provide technical guidance to enhance the coherence between humanitarian and development approaches to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The Advisor will work closely with water and sanitation specialists representing USAID geographic and technical bureaus to advance implementation of Madagascar's WASH High Priority Country Plan.

The successful candidate will maintain strong working relationships with outside groups including the Government of Madagascar, other donors, public institutions, universities, non-government organizations (NGOs), consultants and private enterprises engaged in water and sanitation related activities in Madagascar. The Advisor will represent the Mission, as assigned, in discussions, briefings of senior management, making presentations at conferences, stakeholder consultations and other fora. Incumbent will engage regularly with the USAID’s Global Health Bureau, the Center for Water Security, Sanitation and Hygiene of USAID’s Bureau for Resilience and Food Security, and other government agencies; USAID implementing partners; multilateral and bilateral donor organizations; universities; civil society; and other public and private-sector actors.

D. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP

The incumbent will be supervised on a day-to-day basis by the Health Office Director or designate, who will provide general broad direction and guidelines.

E. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Desired results will be outlined in broad terms. Possible alternative methods and procedures may be discussed, but the choice of those to be used will often be left to the discretion of the incumbent. Problems of unusual difficulty or those not commonly associated with the professional specialization or activity will be discussed throughout the term of assignment. The incumbent will work independently and keep the supervisor informed of progress in the achievement of objectives and advised of potentially controversial matters. Work will be reviewed in terms of effectiveness in advancing USAID/Madagascar’s health, population and nutrition Strategic Plan and program as enunciated in the annual results reports and resource request submissions, as well as about soundness and effectiveness of decisions and actions, and conformance with policies and regulations.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Offers must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination of meeting the eligibility, education, experience, and language proficiency requirements as stated below. This information should be clearly identified in the resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine eligibility and qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

Education Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant fields such as: environmental management, engineering, economics, business, community or international development, or related field.

Prior Relevant Work Experience The position requires a broad combination of technical, analytical, and managerial abilities combined with excellent communication skills. The incumbent must demonstrate a range of expertise in strengthening water and sanitation and water services. Expertise in the following areas is required: rural and urban water provision, water governance, on-site sanitation, market-based WASH approaches, water sector policy reform, WASH behavior change, and program design and evaluation.

Evidence of the requisite knowledge and skills should include at least 5 years of demonstrated professional experience in urban and rural water supply and sanitation, including:

· Demonstrated experience implementing water improvement and sanitation services programming

· Experience in systems strengthening, public-private partnerships, policy frameworks, and capacity building of local governments, regulatory agencies, etc.

· Experience in water sector development, water utility operations, market strengthening, and water financing in developing country contexts

· Excellent interpersonal and team building skills

· Demonstrated proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software is required

Required Language Proficiency English language at level IV or equivalent (full professional proficiency) French language at level III or equivalent (professional working proficiency)

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.

After the closing date, offer packages that clearly demonstrate eligibility and minimum qualifications requirements will be further evaluated, based on the factors listed below. Offerors must address each of the factors listed below on a separate sheet (appendix) describing specifically and accurately the experience, training, and/or education that are relevant to each factor. An evaluation committee may conduct interviews of the most highly ranked candidates before making a recommendation to the Contracting Officer (CO). The successful candidate will be selected based on a review of the qualifications; interview (if conducted); and the results of reference checks. The evaluation committee may check references that have not been specifically identified by applicants and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to select a candidate that fully meets the minimum technical qualifications but may not fully meet the French language requirement.

We will only contact the highest ranked candidates who will be shortlisted by the evaluation committee and invited to interviews.

Factor 1 - Professional Experience – 40 Points

Factor 2 - Technical Expertise – 40 Points

Factor 3 - Interpersonal and Communication Skills – 20 Points

Total possible points = 100

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

1. AID 309-2, Offeror Information For Personal Services Contract Form Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit a hand-signed form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information For Personal Services Contracts”, available at the USAID website, https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Offerors are required to sign and scan the certification at the end of the form.

2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae Your resume should contain explicit information to make a valid determination of your eligibility in Section I, item 9, and that you fully meet the minimum qualifications requirements, listed in Section II. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine your eligibility and qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

3. Appendix This is a written statement (not a standard cover letter) which will specifically address your qualification with regards to the selection factors listed in Section III. Include other pertinent information related to the selection factors required for the position, such as job-related training courses (title and year), job-related skills, job-related certificates and licenses (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested).

4. Reference Persons Offerors are required to provide five (5) reference persons who are not family members or relatives, with working telephones and email contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about offerors past performance and abilities. Reference checks will be made only for offerors considered as finalists. If an offeror does not wish for the current employer to be contacted as a reference check, this should be stated in the offeror’s AID 309-2 form and/or resume. The interviewing committee will delay such reference check pending communication with the offeror.

SUBMISSION OF OFFER

1. Offers must be submitted to the e-mail address: antananarivoUSAIDHR@usaid.gov

· Subject line of your email should read: “Water & Sanitation [your name]”

· E-mail attachments should be in Adobe Acrobat Reader format (.pdf) and/or Word format (.doc or .docx). Any other format will be rejected.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

A contract will be awarded after the receipt of the medical and security clearances from the selected offeror. The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected. Other additional forms may be required to be completed.

If medical and security clearances are not obtained within a reasonable period, the CO reserves the right to rescind the intent of position offering.

For Medical clearance for offeror and eligible dependents (USN and TCN):

· DS-1843 Medical History and Examination - for individuals age 12 and older

· DS-1622 Medical History and Examination - for children age 11 and younger

· DS-3057 Medical Clearance Update (MCU) Found at https://www.state.gov/forms-medical-clearances/.

For Security clearance:

· OVQ (Overseas Vetting Questionnaire) (TCN)

· SF-85, Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (USN and TCN)

· OF-306, Declaration of Federal Employment (USN)

· SF-86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions (USN)

· SF-87, Fingerprint Card (USN)

· AID 500-4, Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, as Amended (USN)

· AID 6-85, Foreign Activity Data (USN)

For Contracting purpose:

· OF-126, Residence and Dependency Report (USN and TCN)

· SF-144, Statement of Prior Service – Worksheet (USN and TCN)

· COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation Form (USN and TCN)

· W4 (USN)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

· USPSC:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances.

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Annual and Sick Leave

(f) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(g) Relocation Expense Benefit

2. ALLOWANCES (when applicable):

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost-of-Livng Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600).

· TCNPSC:

In accordance with the applicable and approved Alternate Compensation Plan, a TCNPSC may be authorized the following benefits and allowances, at the discretion of the CO.

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(b) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(c) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(d) Annual and Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES (when applicable):

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 (Reference to the U.S. will be replaced with the TCNPSC’s home country of record as applicable.)

(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600).

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.

TCNPSCs are required to pay either Malagasy income taxes, or candidates income taxes of candidate’s country of origin.

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing PSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR): available at https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

For USPSC: AIDAR Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts With a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions”.

For TCNPSC: AIDAR Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions”.

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms

Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

AMOUNT (F)

Base Period -Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: PO.2

Award after negotiations with Contractor

and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: PO.2

Award after negotiations with Contractor

and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: PO.2

Award after negotiations with Contractor

and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: PO.2

Award after negotiations with Contractor

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

· AAPD22-02 Telework and Remote Work Policy for U.S. Personal Services Contracts with Individuals

· AAPD 21-05 Revised and Expanded Fringe Benefits for U.S. Personal Services Contractors

· AAPD 21-01 Applicability of FAR 4.21 to USAID personal services contracts with individuals under the AIDAR Appendices D and J

· AAPD 20-08 Leave and Holidays for CCNPSCs and TCNPSCs, including country leave for qualifying posts for eligible TCNPSCs

· AAPD 18-02 (Revision 2) Revisions to Medevac Policies for USPSCs and TCNPSCs

· AAPD10-01: Changes in USG Reimbursement Amounts For Health Insurance And Physical Examination Costs

· AAPD 06-10: PSC Medical Expense Payment

· AAPD 06-08: Using the Optional Schedule to Incrementally Fund Contracts

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.

See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/resources_standards-of-conduct

5. PSC Ombudsman. The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov

END OF SOLICITATION

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